Will County Democratic Central Committee - News

Judge backs IDOT in airport land condemnation lawsuit

The department says the Barbour property — 300 acres near Will Center Road and Eagle Lake Road in Will Township — lies in the footprint of the inaugural airport.

“I believe it’s a devastating decision for every land owner in the state of Illinois, that the state can go forward with eminent domain before they have approval for a project. Especially this project, that has gone on for so many years,” said Judy Ogalla, a county board member and vice president of Shut This Airport Nightmare Down (STAND).

The Barbour family owns three parcels that IDOT offered to purchase for $3.9 million. The family has refused the offer, and had hoped Judge Susan O’Leary would dismiss the condemnation cases subsequently filed by the state.